Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period Faience Worker Shabti






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Description from the seller
An Ancient Egyptian faience mummiform worker shabti. The figure is depicted standing, and with arms folded across the chest. The farm equipment being carried is portrayed through triangles of dark pigment over either shoulder and a hatched rectangle on the flat reverse representing a seed basket. A tripartite wig in dark pigment sits on top of the head. Facial features are rendered with dark pigment, with parts of the mouth and nose chipped. Encrustations and some discolouration to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as surface pitting, indentations, and chips across the arms, back of the head and feet.
Shabtis (or ushabtis) were figurines in mummified form, which were placed in Egyptian tombs to do any work required by the deceased in the afterlife. They were often inscribed with a special formula (Shabti formula), which would call them to life when recited. Sometimes shabtis were also inscribed with passages from the Book of the Dead, the intention of which was to secure safety for the deceased in the afterlife. Shabtis were mostly made of faience, but wood, bronze, and stone were also used – towards the Late Period, the number of shabtis inside the tomb increased, eventually allowing one for each day of the year.
Measurements (circa): L 11cm x W 3.5cm
Provenance: Acquired on the London art market, 1970s.
Seller's Story
An Ancient Egyptian faience mummiform worker shabti. The figure is depicted standing, and with arms folded across the chest. The farm equipment being carried is portrayed through triangles of dark pigment over either shoulder and a hatched rectangle on the flat reverse representing a seed basket. A tripartite wig in dark pigment sits on top of the head. Facial features are rendered with dark pigment, with parts of the mouth and nose chipped. Encrustations and some discolouration to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as surface pitting, indentations, and chips across the arms, back of the head and feet.
Shabtis (or ushabtis) were figurines in mummified form, which were placed in Egyptian tombs to do any work required by the deceased in the afterlife. They were often inscribed with a special formula (Shabti formula), which would call them to life when recited. Sometimes shabtis were also inscribed with passages from the Book of the Dead, the intention of which was to secure safety for the deceased in the afterlife. Shabtis were mostly made of faience, but wood, bronze, and stone were also used – towards the Late Period, the number of shabtis inside the tomb increased, eventually allowing one for each day of the year.
Measurements (circa): L 11cm x W 3.5cm
Provenance: Acquired on the London art market, 1970s.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
